Tuesday, July 11th, 2017

Taipai, Taiwan

31st operating temple

Dedicated: 17-18 Nov 1984 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Romans 3:25

Jesus Christ

Romans 6:3; 1 Cor. 2:2; 12:3; Ephesians 2:20.

Alma 31:1-23

*How is the word more powerful on the minds of the people than the sword?

DC 101:13-24

16-21, Zion and her stakes will be established; 

What did I learn from today's verses?

*13 Scattered shall be gathered.

14 All who mourn shall be comforted.

15 They who have given their lives for Christ shall be crowned.

16 Let your hearts be comforted. All flesh is in the Lord's hand. Be still and know that I am God.

24 Every corruptible thing shall be consumed.

General Conference

Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Elder Robert D. Hales

"Peter explains, 'add to your faith virtue.' This virtue is more than sexual purity. It is cleanliness and holiness in mind and body. Virture is also power. As we faithfully live the gospel, we will have power to be virtuous in every thought, feeling, and action. Our minds become more receptive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the Light of Christ. We embody Christ not only in what we say and do but also in who we are."

Again Sheri and I made a big breakfast this morning. She did bacon and eggs and I did hashbrowns. 

When Sheri went for her run this morning the temperature was in the 70's, a little different from the valley runs.

Before they leave for home Ben, Sheri and I play another game of Five Crowns. I was ahead most of the game but again Ben pulled it out in the end. I am beginning to think that he is unbeatable.

Everyone gave me a hug before leaving except for Sheri and Evan. Ian even gave me his yucca walking stick.

Trezise's and one Lambson

Alex is in England visiting with his

aunt and uncle and his cousins.

James had to pick up some poles in town too big to fit in the car so he took his truck, which basically has no brakes. He wanted me to go with him but I declined. I was exhausted and didn't feel like putting my life on the line. I stayed home and watched a couple of Hallmark movies.  I didn't ask for them, but I am sad when James gets home and doesn't have any tacos. It is taco Tuesday after all.

The rest of the day is pretty relaxing. At one point we read from "The Reluctant Duchess" out on the deck.  I think the last week or so is catching up with me and tomorrow we have to go to the valley.

Joshua in his Dr. Who t-shirt that Uncle Jeff

and Aunt Tara gave him.

I love this thought.

I am looking forward to this day.

Monday, July 10th, 2017

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-23 Sept 1984 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ

Acts 10:38; 13:23; 18:5; 19:15; 22:8; 26:15

Alma 30:46-60

*In Alma 30:46-50 Korihor, still not accepting the signs he had been given, demanded that Alma show him a sign of God's existence. In response, Korihor was struck dumb by the power of God. Convinced of God's power, Korihor wrote about why he had been preaching against God the Father and Jesus Christ. Read Alma 30:51-53.

*What do you think Korihor meant when he said that he taught things that were "pleasing unto the carnal mind?"

*In Alma 30:54-59 Korihor asked Alma to pray so the curse could be removed from him. Alma refused, saying that if Korihor received the ability to speak, he would again teach false doctrine to the people. Korihor was cast out and went from house to house, begging for food. Eventually he went to the Zoramites, who had separated from the Nephites, and was trampled to death.

*Read Alma 30:60 and look for the principle Mormon teaches. What principle does Mormon teach in this verse?

"The devil will not support his children (followers) at the last day."

*How is this different from the way Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ care for us? (Read Alma 36:3.)

DC 101:1-12

1-8, The Saints are chastened and afflicted because of their transgressions; 9-15, The Lord's indignation will fall upon the nations, but His people will be gathered and comforted;

General Conference

Brighter and Brighter Until the Perfect Day

Elder Mark A. Bragg

" We read in the Bible Dictionary that "only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness." We now have 155 operating temples and more coming soon. More and more families are sealed for time and all eternity. Members are submitting more and more names of ancestors to the temple to perform their saving ordinances. We truly are experiencing great joy and celebration on both sides of the veil! In a darkening world, the light of the gospel will shine brighter and brighter until the perfect day."

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

" The importance of the Savior's mission was emphasized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who declared emphatically that 'the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."

Sheri made bacon and eggs for breakfast and I made pancakes. After breakfast Sheri and the younger boys went for a walk. Stacy and Paul got ready to leave to go to Dorina's hearing in Show Low. Joshua is staying here with us and when the hearing is finished, I told Stacy I would take Joshua into town so they wouldn't have to come back out here to get him.

I guess Joshua is meditating

Nice photo!

Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, Rowan, and Joshua took a drive to the top of Green's Peak. It is one of Sheri's favorite places in Arizona, and mine too, and it's only 15 miles away.

Ian with his cowboy hat.

Sheri takes this picture of the boys every year.

I should make a collage.

I love how Evan has his arm around Rowan.

I am so glad that Ian went with Sheri. They had a flat tire on the way back down.  Ian had a really hard time getting the lug nuts off because they were stripped.  When they finally return James, Sheri, Joshua and I go in to town. Stacy, Paul, and Paul's sisters and their families are having lunch at Pizza Factory. Paul put this picture of Tara on Facebook.

I like how it says awesome on the wall behind her.

When I dropped Joshua off Stacy introduced me to Tara's husband Jeff.  He shook my hand, spoke to me in a British accent, and kissed my cheek. I was charmed and impressed. Stacy says he is a great guy. He works on the TV show, "Dr. Who".  Sorry I didn't get a picture.  I ask how he liked the U.S. and he said he loved it.

We drop Sheri's tire off at Discount and pick up our Razr tire.  James goes to Home Depot and Sheri and I go to Walmart to kill some time. They said it would be over an hour before the tire was fixed.  James also stopped at American Fence. I ordered a thin crust veggie pizza from Dominoes for Sheri and I. James said he didn't want any. He opted for KFC. We stopped there too to take home some chicken for Sheri's family.  After picking up Sheri's tire we head for home making one more stop at Conoco for ice. 

It rained while we were at Walmart, but no rain in Vernon.  

Five Crowns with Sheri and Ben and I lose again. Ben wins.  We just can't beat him. Last time he got six points. After family scriptures and prayer, Sheri, Ian, and Ben watch the movie "Love and Mercy" which is the life story of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.  The boys play upstairs. I go in my bedroom to study and take a nap. James and I read a chapter from "The Reluctant Duchess."

Ben helps James fix the tractor. Stacy, Paul, and Joshua arrive home safely. Joshua said thank you and said he had a blast.

I found this list to be both

extensive and amusing.

Sunday, July 9th, 2017

Suva, Fiji

91st operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2000 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededicated: 21 Feb 2016 by

Henry B. Eyring

Acts 7:55

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.

Acts 9:5

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus who thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Alma 30:29-45

*Why is it not a good thing to seek after signs?

*Read Alma 30:37-45. What evidences did Alma give for the existence of God?

*Of the evidences Alma listed, which are especially powerful to you?

Stacy: We shouldn't seek after signs for two reasons I think. First, He has already given the to us. As Alma says in verse 44 (a favorite verse of mine) there are signs all around us denoting the evidence of God: the testimonies of our brethren, the scriptures and prophets, and creation itself. Second, we should not tempt God. It is ungrateful and disrespectful to mock Him in such a way when He has given us enough through our faith and action to know He is there. This particular discussion pierces me deeply as i pray for my boys and nieces and nephews not to be deceived as Korihor was.

DC 100:1-17

1-4, Joseph and Sidney to preach the gospel for the salvation of souls; 5-8, It will be given te in the very hour what they should say; 9-12, Sidney is to be a spokesman and Joseph is to be a revelator and mighty in testimony; 13-17, The Lord will raise up a pure people, and the obedient will be saved.

When has the Lord given me comfort and peace?

* When I have asked for it in times of need.

General Conference

Confide in God Unwaveringly

Elder Ulisses E. Soares

" God blesses us according to our faith. Faith is the source of living with divine purpose and eternal perspective. Faith is a practical principle that inspires diligence. It is a vital, living force manifest in our positive attitude and desire to willingly do everything that God and Jesus Christ ask of us. It takes us to our knees to implore the Lord for guidance and to arise and act with confidence to achieve things consistent with His will."

Holly and LeeAnn H. spoke about girls camp in Sacrament meeting today. LeeAnn actually went as an adult leader. Brother Diewald spoke about kindness and Christlike attributes. His talk was very enlightening. I loved this quote by Joseph B. Wirthlin:

"Kindness is the essence

of a celestial life."

Ian, Sheri, Ben, Max, Evan, Rowan, and Joshua all attended sacrament meeting but went home afterwards. 

Mary S., one of my former young women,  was in sacrament meeting today. Afterwards she handed out invitations to her bridal shower this coming Saturday. I think she is getting married the same day as Trenda.

My Primary lesson was on the sacrifices made in the construction of the Kirtland temple. Colter, Curtis, Liana, and Marlie were in my class. 

Marcy W. did singing time and Lannie G. did sharing time. The theme for sharing time was kindness. The kids made "kindness catchers."  

I sat by Kacey W. during sharing time and she told me that her family is moving to the 26 Bar Ranch which used to belong to John Wayne.  It will be sad not to have their family in our ward.

All the kids in my class finished their papers and earned a reward. Curtis gave me a big hug and so did Liana. That makes it all worthwhile. 

James had laryngitis. Judy Hunter taught his lesson and James said she did a great job.  
For lunch we had some of Jared's leftover ribs. Quite tasty. I played a game of Five Crowns with Sheri and Ben. Ben beat us both soundly.  James and I went out on the deck and read from our book "The Reluctant Duchess" while the boys watched "The Amazing Spiderman 2."  

Stacy and Paul arrived around dinner time. We had steaks for them along with steaks for James, Sheri, Ian and myself. The kids had hamburgers and hotdogs. We also had beans, corn on the cob and rolls. After dinner Stacy, Paul, and Joshua went to visit Paul's sisters, Trish and her daughter Kendall, and Tara and Jeff who are here from England.  

After family scriptures we had a gospel discussion and family prayer. Afterwards Sheri, Ian, Ben, James and I watched "Beauty and the Beast."  Afterwards Max, Evan, and Rowan fell asleep watching "Snow White." For some reason they get a kick out of the seven dwarfs, especially Happy.

We found out today that Dustin C. is doing very poorly. He has stomach issues and can't eat or take chemo treatments. He is basically starving to death. Hospice will be coming in soon. It is all so very sad.

Random Photos:

A sweet picture of baby Lola

 Ian and Ben "reading the Book of Mormon."

I posted this because the author is Laura Dave.

This kid has always loved Spiderman.

Fossil Creek waterfalls

Wood or concrete?

Now this is a salad I could enjoy.

This is something Brian talked about

developing a long time ago.

Sunset

Saturday, July 8th, 2017

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 July 1985

by: Gordon B. Hinckley

3 Nephi 26

Jesus expounds all things from the beginning to the end; Babes and children utter marvelous things that cannot be written; Those in the Church of Christ have all things in common among them. A.D. 34.

Alma 30:12-28

*What teachings have you been exposed to that are similar to Korihor's teachings?

*According to Alma 30:18, what did Korihor's teachings lead the people to do?

*Why do you think these teachings lead people to give in to temptation?

*What can we learn from these verses about the dangers of false doctrines?

*If your friend begins to criticize your beliefs, saying that they limit your freedom, how might you respond?

DC 99:1-8

1-8, John Murdock is called to proclaim the gospel, and those who receive him receive the Lord and will obtain mercy.

What responsibility rests on our shoulders since we know the truth?

*We are to share it with others.

General Conference

Our Good Shepherd

Elder Dale G. Renlund

" The Savior's mortal ministry was indeed characterized by love, compassion, and empathy. He did not disdainfully walk the dusty roads of Galilee and Judea, flinching at the sight of sinners. He did not dodge them in abject horror. No, he ate with them. He helped and blessed, lifted and edified, and replaced fear and despair with hope and joy. Like the true shepherd He is, He seeks us and finds us to offer relief and hope. Understanding His compassion and love helps us exercise faith in Him - to repent and be healed."

Happy Birthday to Jared Ammon!

One of my favorite pictures!

An amazing runner.

He loves dogs.

We had family prayer with the boys this morning. Yes, we still have Ben, Max, Evan, and Rowan. Joshua went home with his parents yesterday. After prayer I asked the boys to put all of their personal items in their rooms and to make sure their rooms were clean. Sheri and Ian are coming this afternoon.

I started cleaning and did a lot but did not get the floors done before Sheri and Ian arrived.  They brought James and I burros from Burger House.  

Sheri wants to go shopping so I take a shower and get ready to go with her. Sheri likes to go to the Taylor Walmart because it is way less busy than the one in Show Low. Max goes with us to buy magic cards.  Stacy and Paul are coming tomorrow and I am wondering what to feed them. I decide to buy steaks for all of the adults and let the kids have hamburgers and hot dogs.  

On our trip home it looks like rain all around us.  It rained in Vernon, but not at our place. It is overcast and nice and cool though.  After we put the groceries away we go to work to clean the floors. I polish the wood floors and Sheri does the tile in the kitchen and dining room and the travertine in the hall and the entry.

  Thanks Sheri!

You're the bomb!

Not sure what this face is about.

Ben helped James finished the front posts on the fence today.  They also hauled off 24 bags of garbage from our cousins reunion. On the bright side it only cost $5.  

For dinner we had grilled chicken, beans, bread and butter, and strawberry angel food cake.  Sheri and Ian went upstairs and James and I had scriptures with the boys. Joshua informed me that he had four apples today. He also snacked on saltine crackers this evening.

Photos:

Kacey sent me this picture of the ride home.

I think it speaks volumes.

Curtis posted this on Facebook. He just lost his

daughter a couple of weeks ago. So sad.

Elk in someone's yard.

He invites his friends.

8 of the 13 bull elk Lynda J. saw at their ranch.

This picture should have been posted on Thursday.

Emmy's horse refused to move even with the coaxing

of Hunter.  I am sure Emmy, being the action-loving girl

she is, was quite frustrating.

A home fire in Pinetop-Lakeside.

East Fork of the Black River.

Two DWTS weddings today.

Julianne and her hockey player Brooks.

Maks and Peta.

Friday, July 7th, 2017

Star Valley, Wyoming

154th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct 2016 by

David A. Bednar

3 Nephi 25

At the Second Coming, the proud and wicked will be burned as stubble; Elijah will return before that great and dreadful day; Compare Malachi 4.

Alma 29:8-30:11

*Search Alma 29:10,14, and 16 looking for the blessing Alma received as he helped others come unto Christ.
*Have you ever felt the joy that comes from helping others come unto Christ?
*Read Alma 30:6 looking for a word that describes Korihor. (Anti-Christ). One definition of anti-Christ is: "Anyone or anything that counterfeits the true gospel plan of salvation and that openly or secretly opposes Christ."
DC 98:23-38
23-32, The Lord reveals His laws governing the persecutions and afflictions imposed on His people; 33-38, War is justified only when the Lord commands it;
General Conference

Our Father's Glorious Plan

Elder Weatherford T. Clayton

" I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; but if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit."

Adam left for home this morning. Ben said he had to clean up after him in the bedroom where he slept.

Molly wants to celebrate her birthday with us while she is here. I took her and Ruby to Walmart this morning. I got about to the Vernon dump when James texted me and said he wanted to go, so I turned around and went back and picked him up. 

While James took the girls shopping I went and picked up the few items of groceries we needed. James checked out and I finished up with the girls. Molly got a pair of tennis shoes, a pair of shorts, and a jewelry making kit and some other small items with her $50.  Ruby spent some of her money too. She says she is saving the fifty dollars I gave her for her birthday for when she goes to Universal Studios, Harry Potter.

When we got back home to the cabin it was about time for lunch. I realized we were out of catsup so I made a trip to Dollar General while James fixed the boys popcorn chicken and french fries. When I returned everyone had eaten and no one had even missed the catsup. 

Darrel and Trina went on a walk this morning and then came back and cleaned upstairs before leaving for home.  They said they want to buy a horse and keep it up here if we would help them take care of it. Of course we would.  

Before Darrel, Trina, Addy, Ruby, and Lola left for home we had a party for Molly. Jared made her a cake and we had more ice cream.

Molly will be 8 on August 8th.

Ruby cried when she realized she had to go home and wouldn't be seeing Molly anymore. Jared and his family went into Fool's Hollow Lake and Licano's for burros this afternoon. James, Ben, Max, Evan, Joshua, Rowan and I all piled into our car and drove to Greer. As soon as the boys got out at the creek it began to rain. We didn't stay long. I guess Jared and his group got rained on too and the water was too cold to swim.  He said it wasn't a total bust because they got burritos.

We stopped at Sonic on the way home and got the boys food so they seemed happy.  

It rained a little this afternoon in Vernon, but not much. There were cows outside our fence so James turned the fence on. When the boys found out, they began touching the fence to see how much of a shock they could get. Rowan took his shoes off and got it the worst. It was like a game to them.

Jared made ribs for dinner. His kids didn't eat much because they will still full from their burros. 

This evening Jared wanted to go to bed early and then get up and drive home at midnight. Everyone was just going to stay up and sleep in the car. I thought maybe they would want to watch "Private Eyes," Jared's favorite movie when he was a kid, but the boys were watching "Nacho Libre" again.

James and I said good bye to Kacey, Tanner, Emmy, Molly, and Jared before we went to bed. Anna, Summer and James were somewhere upstairs. I am sad to see everyone go because I know how far they are going and that it will be a long time before we see them again.

More Photos:

Taylor a girl in my Primary class

Evan Face timing with his mom.

Alex got to see the London Bridge today.

Our kids loved this movie when

they were growing up.